Three men 'impersonating police officers' in Faversham arrested

Three people have been arrested in connection with fraud offences in which several victims reportedly lost more than thousands of pounds.

It comes after an investigation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate’s fraud team, which saw a vehicle linked to a number of crimes tracked down travelling along the A2 at about 4pm yesterday.

With the assistance of a neighbouring force and police helicopter, the car was tracked and stopped on the A2 in the Bexley area.

Three men have been arrested following a fraud investigation. Stock picture (10284280)

Three men were arrested in connection with fraud offences, including an incident that had taken place just hours before in which a vulnerable woman in Faversham in said to have handed over £7,900.

The arrests relate to a fraud where it is reported that residents have been contacted on their landline by someone claiming to be a police officer. The victim is urged to call 101 to verify the identity, however unbeknown to the victim their call is never disconnected and they are speaking with the same person. They give out financial information before being told to withdraw cash as evidence. They are then told that a police officer will collect the money and it is taken from the home of the victim.

Between February and May the fraud team have identified nine incidents of this nature in Kent with a total loss of more than £80,000.

Detective Sergeant Marc Cananur said: "Following the arrests we made a number of enquiries which led us to a potential offence in Faversham. We were able to speak with a woman who was in her late 70s. She had apparently handed over a large quantity of cash and did not realise she had been the victim of a crime.

"It would be useful for friends and neighbours of vulnerable people in the area to speak with them and make them aware of this investigation..." Detective Sergeant Marc Cananur

"My officers are also investigating an additional offence, thought to have happened in Faversham in which a quantity of cash has been taken. As yet we have not been able to identify a victim, so I am keen for anyone who thinks they may have been targeted to come forward.

"It would be useful for friends and neighbours of vulnerable people in the area to speak with them and make them aware of this investigation."

The three men - aged 17, 18 and 38 and from the London area - are all currently in custody.

Anyone with any information that may help police is asked to contact the recorded witness appeal line on 01795 419119 quoting reference 13-1073.

Alternatively, you can call the independent charity, Crimestoppers in Kent, anonymously, on 0800 555111.